I could get shot for this, but since I din't know my way around PS much here goes. If I want to make the BG darker (might work for this might not) when I open in raw I take the exposure to the negitive, then slide the contrast to the positive then fiddle with the fine tuning in LAB (especially the L). Have done several flower shots like that.
Ohoo been wanting to try and extension tube.

thanks everybody! I agree with everything you've said :)) In color, it's all green, so I switched it to B&W.. it needs more work and I guess I wasn't in the mood :) I agree Chandi - black would be more contrasty - don't know how to in PS, so will have to reshoot with diff BG..
I got this new extension tube that helps me get close, but maybe too close - this is the full size image, no cropping - couldn't fill it in..just experimenting, maybe I'll try a smaller bud :)love the extension tube tho !

Yes nice catch and great detail! Not sure about the B&W either??

So this is how a sunflower opens up eh? Nice catch!

The subject is fascinating and strong and yet the pic's throwing me off a bit - not sure why. Maybe the crop at the top & bottom? Maybe a black background goes better with this than a greyish background? I'm just guessing...

I have never seen a sunflower in this stage. It reminds me of an old movie and I'm having a "senior moment" and can't remember the title! The black and white falls a little flat for me. I'm wondering what it would look like in a tone. I love the plant though!

WOW Vandana.....I am notta black and white fan.....USUALLY......but I LOVE this one